Kansas man allegedly stole, sold county-owned truck for profit

Federal prosecutors say a former county department head from Kansas bought a big rig with government money before he and his wife allegedly sold the truck and other equipment.

According to court documents, Steven Collier was public works director for Barber County, KS, between July 2008 and August 2010. During that time, Collier purchased a 1999 Freightliner semi truck and a 2003 International truck from Advantage Truck Sales, Inc. of Grain Valley, MO.

The International was purchased for $11,750 in December 2009. In May 2010, Steven and Diana Collier sold the International for $10,000 to a company called Southwest Truck Parts.

In July 2010, Diana Collier incorporated Bar-Sha Trucking and Excavating, LLC, the company Southwest Truck Parts paid for the truck purchase.

In all, the Colliers face 11 felony counts tied to stealing property purchased under the guise of county business. Other items the Colliers allegedly stole include a bulldozer, a Chevy pickup, and a John Deere tractor.

Because Barber County accepted federal funds, Steven and Diana Collier face the charge of “theft from a program receiving federal funds”, in addition to interstate transportation of stolen property, sale of stolen property, and an additional charge of theft from a program receiving federal funds for steel beams purchased through the county but sold by the Colliers.

According to TheKansas City Star, Collier’s attorney has asked the judge in his case to remove a requirement that his probation officer notify his supervisors of the current case against him.